Sardine Lakes

Sardine Lakes is a 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Sierra City, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from December until March. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

easy drive with clear roads. saw two other couples the 2.5 hours we were there. one driving down on the jeep road/path and one walking down. basically had the place to ourselves. kids had a blast with the snowball fight. stunning views that look like a fake background drop. easy hike.

We've camped at Sardine Lake for years and always make the hike up to Upper Sardine Lake. Saw this hike on All Trails which extends the trail past the dam at Upper Sardine. The trail at this point is difficult to follow and requires a little rock scrambling. We go past the dam but did not take the trail to the end as it was not marked.

Loved this trail wasn't to difficult or hard to find. A few people tried to make it part way with their 4x4 and I applaud them, a few did make it and were rewarded with some amazing camping spots. Wish I would have brought my inter tube to float The views are AH-mazing!!

tulip549 h.

hiking

7 months ago

Wow! Fantastic views and a great place for some kayaking or stand up paddling or boating. A very popular weekend place as well.

Morgan B.

hiking

7 months ago

Great views of the Buttes. Lower Sardine Lake was highly trafficked with people/canoes/boats as it has a resort right next to it but I found Upper Sardine Lake much more peaceful. I don't think this trail was quite four miles. It was uphill but pretty easy.

I would not rate this as lightly trafficked, especially near lower Sardine. We got to the area around 1130am this morning and it was a zoo. Once you get away from Lower Sardine, things quiet down a little bit. We enjoyed some swimming in Upper Sardine. It's hard to beat the mountain backdrop for a swim up there. The trail is shared with some off road vehicles so you have to dodge a jeep here and there but it's not bad. Very pretty!!

Great snowshoeing, spectacular views, good work out. From parking lot off high 89 to upper sardine lake and back was 11 miles, as no car goes beyond this point at winter. Not 4 miles. Unless someone has snowmobile.

We camp in this area every fall, and it's gorgeous. No swimming in Lower Sardine; but once you get up to the upper lake, it's all yours and freeeeeezing! Gorgeous though - the views are indescribable and so peaceful!

I live in Truckee and this hike gives you some of the best views in the area. Lower Sardine Lake has cottages and bathrooms. Upper Sardine has nothing, if you are looking for the BEST views and the least people go to Upper Sardine Lake.